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U.S. Air Force News

  • Hanscom team helps 'forge' new path for software development, testing

    Acquisition by its nature is a fairly rigid business, governed by established rules and procedures designed to ensure integrity, fairness and programmatic oversight. This creates a vexing problem for those trying to increase acquisition speed and agility. It's particularly challenging when dealing

  • Air Force chief information officer discusses way ahead for cyberoperations

    The Air Force chief information officer addressed modern cyberspace threats and the impact of social networking at the Air Force Association Cyber Futures Symposium and Convention here April 1.Lt. Gen. William T. Lord emphasized that despite recent budgetary constraints, the Air Force needs to

  • AFNIC engineers prepare Air Force for IPv6 transition

    The Air Force is preparing to undergo a major transition of its non-secure internet protocol router network, or NIPRNet, and if it goes as planned, you'll never notice.Air Force Network Integration Center engineers are leading the Air Force's transition from the current Internet Protocol addressing

  • Classes aim to spark interest in science, technology

    From robotics engineering to gaming technology, Defense Department school officials are hoping their new, cutting-edge courses will spark a lifelong passion for science and technology in their students.Under a new science, technology, engineering and math initiative, Department of Defense Education

  • Air Force jets perform first flyover using alternative fuel

    Three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft performed the Air Force's first flyover using "green" biofuel over Citizen's Bank Park for the Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day activities April 1. The jets, from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., flew using a 50 percent blend of traditional jet fuel

  • Euro Hawk undergoes testing at Edwards AFB

    Engineers with the 772nd Test Squadron facilitated electromagnetic interference testing on a Euro Hawk unmanned aircraft at the Benefield Anechoic Facility here March 10 and 11.They teamed with representatives of Northrop Grumman Corporation and the German government to complete the testing.The Euro

  • Project Crossbow enhances capabilities

    A collaborative U.S. Air Force and United Kingdom Royal Air Force program is making it easier for the two services to share information collected via intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.The program, dubbed Project Crossbow and modeled on the U.S. Air Force's Distributed Common

  • Air Force aerial layer networking concept to enhance warfighter connectivity

    By 2024, the Air Force's fleet of aircraft, space and surface systems will contribute to and use various aerial layer networking functions to support joint capability areas, officials said here March 23.Following the publication of the October 2009 Joint Aerial Layer Network Initial Capabilities

  • Test report: AFNet effective, suitable, mission-capable

    The effort to manage Air Force web and email operations as one, consolidated enterprise took a giant step forward March 18, with release of a testing report on Air Force Intranet Increment 1, referred to as AFNet Inc 1. The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center's evaluation showed that

  • Clinical trials seek to improve warriors' burn care

    New hope is on the horizon for wounded warriors suffering debilitating burns as officials from the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine and their partners at medical research centers launch three promising clinical trials.Burns are among the most painful and debilitating battlefield

  • Academy aero lab researchers harness energy from ocean waves

    Air Force Academy researchers have harnessed 99 percent of the energy in a simulated ocean wave and are preparing to take their emerging technology to the next level.The energy research is part of a National Science Foundation-funded research project to create the world's first free-floating, fully

  • Modified X-51A Waverider ready for next hypersonic test

    Air Force engineers currently plan to fly the second X-51A Waverider hypersonic flight test demonstrator as early as March 22, program officials said March 15."We are proud of the first flight results, and at the same time we understand the inherent risk in a high-technology demonstrator like the

  • Land-based precision approach system program resumes

    The land-based Joint Precision Approach and Landing System is getting back on track after the deputy secretary of defense issued the Resource Management Directive-700 in January that restored full funding to the program.JPALS is a family of systems that will provide precision approach and landing

  • 45th Space Wing officials launch satellite atop Delta IV

    Members from the 45th Space Wing successfully launched a United Launch Alliance-built Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle here March 13 carrying a classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite."The outstanding ULA, NRO and Air Force partnership made yet another successful mission," said

  • Space team improves GPS capability for warfighters

    Joint force warfighters around the globe will soon be able to assess real-time and future GPS accuracy, both where they are and where they're going, with a new capability developed by the 2nd Space Operations Squadron's Global Positioning System User Operations team here.The new capability uses the

  • Platform provides collaboration behind firewall

    The Defense Department's secure collaborative platform has expanded beyond the Army to include more members of the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, providing behind-the-firewall access to a collection of secure knowledge management tools mirroring popular social media platforms.DOD

  • Cyber warriors test phishing response

    As part of the Air Force's mission to ward off attacks in cyberspace, members the 50th Space Communications Squadron went phishing on base last month."Phishing is when someone sends messages to a large group of people in an effort to deceive people into revealing their personal information, such as

  • Air Force technicians launch second unmanned spacecraft

    In the latest step to improve space capability and further develop an affordable, reusable space vehicle, Air Force technicians launched the second X-37B here March 5, officials said.The Orbital Test Vehicle-2 launch comes on the heels of the successful flight of OTV-1, which made an autonomous

  • Air Force accepts delivery of final MQ-1 Predator

    The Air Force accepted MQ-1 Predator tail number 268, the final MQ-1 manufactured for the service, in a ceremony March 3. Col. James Beissner, the chief of Air Combat Command's Irregular Warfare Division, accepted the aircraft on behalf of the Air Force."This event marks a milestone in Air Force

  • Contractor delivers first new E-8C Joint STARS production engine

    The U.S. Air Force E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or Joint STARS, achieved a significant objective March 3 as part of the ongoing System Design and Development Re-engining effort. A First Engine Delivery Ceremony was held at the Pratt & Whitney production facility in Middletown,

  • Intermediate network warfare training up and running

    In February, 17 students began the first intermediate network warfare training at the 39th Information Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.The 42-day course began Feb. 2 and features a syllabus geared to the needs of cyberoperators in the field, said 1st Lt. Michelle Buchholtz, the influence

  • CSAF talks cooperation, efficiency at defense conference

    The Air Force and the private sector must focus their collective efforts to ensure America's defense needs are met in the face of declining purchasing power, according to the Air Force chief of staff.Gen. Norton Schwartz made the remarks during a speech to defense industry leaders, service members

  • Air Force to launch second orbital test vehicle

    Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office officials announced the launch of the second X-37B March 4 with a back-up launch opportunity March 5. AFRCO is leading the Defense Department's orbital test vehicle initiative, by direction of the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics

  • Ellsworth B1s get new braking system

    It can generate more than 30,000 pounds of thrust and reach speeds greater than 900 MPH, but can it stop safely after reaching such speeds?Thanks to an ongoing brake modification of the B-1B Lancer, the aircraft has a new, more effective means of coming to a stop.The modification, which costs

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Air Force officials implement some cost-cutting measures in the wake of federal budget constraints. Plus, Airmen train with their host nation counterparts to make sure that when lives are on line, everyone's on the same page. And, get a look at some

  • CONR team supports successful shuttle launch

    Officials with the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, or CONR, and Air Forces Northern provided crucial airspace control and manning support to the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery Feb. 24.CONR representatives ensured airspace sovereignty by enforcing the

  • Air Force gains new mission

    The Air Force gained a new mission when the 1st Space Operations Squadron accepted satellite control authority of the Advanced Technology Risk Reduction satellite Jan. 31 here. Handed over from the Missile Denfense Agency, ATRR is the newest space-based space situational awareness platform to ensure

  • Three Academy graduates to fly STS-133 shuttle mission

    Three Air Force Academy graduates are leading Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-133 mission, which is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Feb. 24. Retired Col. Steven Lindsey, Class of 1982, is mission commander, while 1987 graduate Col. Eric Boe is the pilot and

  • Agency chief outlines threat reduction strategy

    Defense Threat Reduction Agency people are at work around the clock to protect American forces and citizens from nuclear, chemical and biological threats, the agency's director said Feb. 23.Speaking to the Defense Writers Group, Kenneth A. Myers III, who also is director of the U.S. Strategic

  • Air Force Network Integration Center officials launch IA education tools

    Air Force Network Integration Center officials recently introduced new information assurance education tools to help Airmen stay up to speed in the constantly evolving cyberspace environment. The initiatives, which include a robust community of practice, webinars and computer-based training, are

  • New deployable air traffic control system program taking shape

    Electronic Systems Center officials intend to call for proposals within the next few months for development and production of a new deployable air traffic control system. Referred to as the Deployable Radar Approach Control the system could be used at forward operating locations, however austere,

  • Eagle Vision program garners key award for keen Earth observation

    An Electronic Systems Center program has been named the winner of a prestigious award presented by officials from NASA and the U.S. Department of the Interior.The agencies honored the Eagle Vision program with the 2010 William T. Pecora award during a Pentagon ceremony Feb. 15. Eagle Vision was

  • Results of command, control training study show roadmap ahead

    Standardizing command and control, or C2, training across air, space and cyber domains and consolidating training here were the main recommendations of a recent independent study completed for Air Combat Command.Results and proposed priorities of the study examining Air Force operational-level C2

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Lynn gains IT industry's cybersecurity perspective

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III returned Feb. 15 from a two-day cybersecurity-focused trip here that included a keynote speech and meetings with industry leaders.Throughout his visit, Mr. Lynn focused on communicating with information technology professionals, whom he terms critical to

  • New training simulator debuts at Schriever

    At first glance the Standard Space Trainer Integrated Training Center here appears to look like a normal operational control center. Large, high-definition monitors dominate the walls, while multiple computer workstations provide telemetry and other important data to would-be users. The desks,

  • Home-use programs provide software to Airmen

    Even after approximately eight hours of work per day, some Airmen are still compelled to bring their projects home. Because of this, Air Force officials have partnered with major software companies to provide Airmen with a variety of software products, such as anti-virus, middleware and desktop

  • National Security Space Strategy targets safety, stability

    The National Security Space Strategy released Feb. 4 responds to the realities of a space environment that is increasingly crowded, challenging and competitive, senior Defense Department officials said."The National Security Space Strategy represents a significant departure from past practice," said

  • Vandenberg officials launch Minotaur I

    A Minotaur I rocket was launched from here Feb. 6. The rocket carried a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.Col. Richard Boltz, the 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority."I am extremely proud of the large group of professionals that came together

  • Center officials award Space Fence preliminary design contracts

    Electronic Systems Center officials have issued two competitive contract orders, each worth $107 million, for preliminary design of the Space Fence program. They awarded the contracts to Raytheon Corp.'s Integrated Defense Systems and Lockheed Martin Corporation's Mission Systems & Sensors Division.

  • AOC Weapon System moves toward single computing environment

    Electronic Systems Center officials recently put out a request for proposal to modernize the Air and Space Operations Center Weapon System."We're looking to have a single computing environment for the AOC Weapon System," said Lt. Col. John Barrette, AOC WS 10.2 program manager. "Right now, there are

  • Researchers harness wave energy in research simulations

    Researchers here recently harnessed more than 99 percent of the energy in a simulated ocean wave and are preparing to take their emerging technology to the next level.The energy research is part of a National Science Foundation-funded project to create the world's first free-floating, fully

  • New website promotes military info sharing

    Whether they're moving into a new contingency operation or upgrading operations for an existing one, U.S. forces have a new weapon at their disposal when setting up or reconfiguring their command-and-control architectures.Thanks to the new "C2 Central" website established by U.S. Joint Forces

  • Kehler succeeds Chilton as commander of Strategic Command

    Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton passed the flag of U.S. Strategic Command to Air Force Gen. C. Robert Kehler Jan. 28, giving the nation's nuclear deterrent mission a new commander.General Chilton, a pilot who served 10 years with NASA and flew three space shuttle missions, retired after 34 years of

  • AFNORTH officials give Civil Air Patrol a technology boost

    When Air Forces Northern officials need an aircrew to fly a search and rescue mission, run counterdrug support or play the bad guy, they frequently call on the members of the Civil Air Patrol, who are always more than eager to lend a helping hand. In an effort to make the job easier and more

  • F-15E flies with new radar system

    Officials took a step forward in the F-15E Strike Eagle's continuous technological evolution as the Air Force's most versatile combat aircraft here Jan. 18.Officials from the 46th Test Wing launched the fourth generation fighter for the first time with a new and improved radar system, the

  • First Delta IV Heavy launches from Vandenberg AFB

    A Delta IV Heavy Launch Vehicle was launched from here Jan. 20. It was the first Delta IV HLV to be launched from the West Coast of the U.S., and it carried a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office."The teamwork between the 30th Space Wing, the National Reconnaissance

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • 2010 Year in Photos

    2010's Year in Photos highlights the top moments from Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This yearly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force. View the slideshow.

  • Global Observer makes first hydrogen-powered flight

    The Global Observer unmanned aircraft system successfully completed its first flight powered by the aircraft's hydrogen-fueled propulsion system here Jan. 6.This milestone marks the beginning of high-altitude, long-endurance flight testing for the demonstration and operational utility phase of this

  • 'ONE Suit Pro' IDEA saves Air Force money

    Saving money and improving quality of service and efficiency in the workplace were the motivating factors behind the "ONE Suit Pro" idea that won awards for the members of the 17th Civil Engineer Squadron, Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program team recently.The idea submitted to

  • Fielding success enables pilot-to-pilot link

    A team of former fighter pilots from the Electronic Systems Center here is continuing to make sure current fighter pilots -- both U.S. and Allied forces -- can operate the sophisticated communication network known as Link 16.Link 16 takes data from multiple platforms, including Airborne Warning and

  • Another GPS software upgrade completed

    As part of a larger ongoing effort by Air Force officials to improve and maintain the current GPS ground system, Air Force Space Command officials completed another sustainment software release for the GPS operational control segment ground system. Officials from the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at

  • Antarctica blog connects students with science

    Connecting scientists to elementary and high school students worldwide was one of many accomplishments during last year's Operation Deep Freeze, the military's support of National Science Foundation research in Antarctica.In 2010, Lt. Col. Ed Vaughan spent 50 days as commander of McMurdo Det. 1 and

  • Air Force Space Command welcomes new commander

    Air Force Space Command members welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony here Jan. 5.Gen. William L. Shelton accepted command from Gen. Norton Schwartz, the chief of staff of the Air Force, in front of an audience of family members, community members and AFSPC members. In

  • Networthiness sets standards for DOD, AF networks

    The Air Force soon will have a relatively new term to add to its network operations lexicon: "Networthiness." Air Force Network Integration Center officials recently led efforts to develop the Department of Defense's networthiness concept, an operational assessment that goes well beyond information

  • Operations security goes digital

    Click through any photo-sharing site and you will likely find at least one random shot of someone you know doing something highly inappropriate. While these photos may be hilarious, could they have the potential to reveal intimate details of your life to the world?Walk through a mall during a

  • ROBOTx adds helping 'hands' to pharmacy

    The pharmacy staff here recently added a new member to their crew:  a robot designed to count medication for prescriptions. The PharmASSIST ROBOTx stores the counted medications until electronic prescriptions are received from doctors. Then, using bar code scanning checks, it ensures patients

  • USAFE vice commander discusses Air Force operations

    More than 100 business and military professionals gathered here recently to hear the U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander's perspective on Air Force operations and what it means as Air Force communications and information Airmen transition from a support role to an operational cyberspace

  • DARPA goal for cybersecurity: change the game

    Self-proclaimed "technogeeks" at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, after determining the nature of the cybersecurity threat, have devised programs to tackle the problem and, most importantly, surprise their adversaries, DARPA's deputy director said.Kaigham Gabriel spoke here at the Dec.

  • Obama calls on Senate to ratify new START

    President Barack Obama called on Congress Dec. 20 to ratify the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty before recessing for the holiday, warning of the consequences of delays in moving forward on "an urgent national priority.""Ratifying a treaty like START isn't about winning a victory for an

  • 300 take part in virtual battle

    More than 300 joint warfighters converged in a virtual battlespace for a four-day exercise ending Dec. 16.Participants from 18 locations joined forces to defeat the simulated threat in Virtual Flag 11-1. The 705th Combat Training Squadron here executes four VFs each year. It's the largest Air Force

  • Officials award production contract for fourth advanced frequency satellite

    The Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate announced Dec. 17 the award of a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification valued at approximately $1.4 billion to Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., for production of the fourth Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite.

  • Air Force Research Laboratory engineer receives Harold Brown Award

    A senior scientist from Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., received the 2010 Harold Brown Award Dec. 15 for her breakthrough research in pioneering new infrared technology that will augment aircraft defense and impact numerous Defense Department systems .Dr. Candace Lynch strengthened aircraft

  • Officials complete GPS software upgrade ahead of schedule

    Officials with the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., have completed their sustainment software release for the GPS operational control segment ground system ahead of schedule. The software release, which was scheduled to be complete in early January 2011, was accomplished ahead

  • Missile defense test delayed

    The Missile Defense Agency ground-based interceptor flight test, scheduled for Dec. 14, has been delayed due to poor weather conditions downrange. The flight test has been rescheduled for Dec. 15, with a launch window from 8 a.m. to noon, E.T.The ground-based interceptor test will defend against an

  • Nobel Prize winner visits, thanks AMC

    During a visit to Air Mobility Command Headquarters here Dec. 9, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Samuel Ting praised AMC for its recent support in delivering the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer from Geneva, Switzerland, to Cape Canaveral, Fla.Doctor Ting, the 1976 Nobel Prize winner in physics, provided a

  • Computers to replace paper technical orders on Robins AFB flightline

    Within the next four years, laptop computers will be as important to aircraft mechanics here as wrenches and screwdrivers. Many Robins AFB mechanics are leading the way in the first test of "e-tools." That's the term used for the 300 laptops deployed on the flightline in the last 12 months to help

  • New technology could save base millions

    Engineers here could soon be using an emerging technology to help clean the environment and save the Air Force money.Officials with the Robins Air Force Base Energy Office are conducting feasibility studies on the use of plasma arc technology, which offers environmentally safe measures for waste

  • New 3-D retina imaging equipment improves care

    Members of the 23rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron optometry flight here recently conducted training with a new piece of equipment that helps them diagnose ocular diseases and announce Airmen as ready for duty. The high-definition optical coherence tomography machine allows optometrists to clearly see

  • Identifying friendly forces to become easier for AWACS

    Engineers with the Electronic Systems Center here have achieved the next step in bringing an improved Identification Friend or Foe, or IFF, system capability to E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft.Currently, AWACS provides situational awareness of friendly, neutral and hostile

  • Photo essay: From Cape Canaveral to Vandenberg

    The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 1 landed here Dec. 3, marking advancement for the Air Force in experimental test missions. Vandenberg people in self-contained atmospheric suits conducted initial checks to ensure the vehicle and area were safe. The X-37B made an autonomous landing after 244 days in

  • Kunsan AB officials add Tasers to arsenal

    Members of the 8th Security Forces Squadron here recently received Tasers as a non-lethal weapon to defend the base and its people. "We would usually use pepper spray to subdue an unruly subject, but on the Korean peninsula, we are not allowed to use pepper spray because it's considered a chemical

  • AF researchers showcase integrated training capabilities

    Researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing Human Effectiveness directorate's Warfighter Readiness Research division showcased their integrated training capabilities at the 2010 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando,

  • Photo essay: Whiteman crews practice 'hot pit' refueling

    Technicians with the Air Force Reserve Command's 442nd Fighter Wing practice hot pit refueling with A-10 Thunderbolts II Dec. 8 here. Hot pit refueling is a procedure usually performed in a combat situation to rapidly refuel aircraft. View the slideshow.

  • 24th AF becomes AFCYBER

    Air Force officials announced that 24th Air Force changed from Air Forces Strategic to Air Forces Cyber Dec. 7. The change better reflects the mission the numbered Air Force performs for the Air Force and the Department of Defense."The name change will not impact the 24th Air Force's mission," said

  • First cyber class graduates

    The Air Force took a significant step forward in its cyberspace training transformation Dec. 6, as 15 officers graduated from the first undergraduate cyberspace training course at here."It's time to leave here and provide the Air Force, and the nation, with real options and opportunities based on

  • Air Force officials support SpaceX launch

    Space Exploration Technologies officials completed a successful test launch of the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon space vehicle Dec. 8 here.Safety and range support was provided by 45th Space Wing members."The 45th Space Wing was proud to support this important Falcon 9 launch," said Brig. Gen.

  • 18th Air Force, Expeditionary Center restructures

    Air Mobility Command officials announced plans Dec. 7 to restructure some command and control functions, commonly referred to as C2, effective Jan. 7, 2011. The command's 18th Air Force will focus on C2 of air mobility, contingency response and en route operations, including the 618th Air and Space

  • Air Force's X-37B historical landing advances space vehicle technologies

    After 224 days in space since its launch April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., the X-37B orbital test vehicle landing marks the Air Force's latest step in experimental test missions to improve the service's space capabilities, officials said here Dec. 6.The 11,000-pound OTV made an autonomous landing

  • New inpatient medical records system enhances patient care

    A new electronic medical record system to enhance patient care is coming to Wilford Hall Medical Center here.Essentris is an electronic healthcare record management system which is specifically designed for inpatient care and will allow health care providers instant access to inpatient records

  • PlayStation 3 supercomputer can read, correct input

    Video games have seen significant advances in the past few years. What once was a black box with a low quality video version of ping-pong, is now a sleek, motion-capturing, high-resolution computer system capable of networking around the world.Mark Barnell, the director of high-performance computing

  • X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle lands at Vandenberg AFB

    The U.S. Air Force's first unmanned re-entry spacecraft landed here Dec. 3 at 1:16 a.m.The X-37B, named Orbital Test Vehicle 1, which launched April 22 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., conducted on-orbit experiments for more than 220 days during its maiden voyage. It fired its orbital maneuver engine in

  • School of Aerospace Medicine classes move to Ohio

    Instructors with the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine will begin teaching classes near here Dec. 6 as part of the Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure process. The school is re-locating here from Brooks City-Base in San Antonio. The classes will be conducted at a temporary

  • Officials announce new Air Force museum director

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 2 the assignment of Senior Executive Service member and retired Lt. Gen. John "Jack" L. Hudson as director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, effective Dec. 16. He will replace Senior Executive Service member and

  • Modeling and simulation conference shaping future warfighting

    The new commander of Air Education & Training Command challenged developers of modeling and simulation technologies to work together to develop new and improved training systems to meet the full spectrum of threats joint and coalition warfighters may face in the future during a conference here Nov.

  • DSP, engineers recognized at National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

    Military and industry officials recently gathered at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to recognize those involved with Defense Support Program satellites over the past four decades.Earlier this year, a 35-foot-long DSP structural test vehicle, which helped to provide the Air Force with

  • Preparations underway for first landing of X-37B

    Space professionals are preparing for the first landing of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle here. Members of the 30th Space Wing will monitor the de-orbit and landing of the Air Force's first X-37B. While the exact landing date and time will depend on technical and weather considerations, it is

  • Digital close-air support improvements on the way

    Airmen on the ground whose mission is to help deliver close-air support will soon receive a set of tools that will help them do their jobs better while lightening the loads they're required to carry.Tactical air control party Airmen are assigned to Army units that engage in all levels of operations,

  • GPS satellite achieves 20 years in orbit

    Space Vehicle Number 23, Global Positioning System constellation, is a testament to how Air Force officials continue to meet and exceed their operational requirements with GPS.GPS Block IIA-10 (SVN-23), built by Boeing (formerly Rockwell Corporation), was launched Nov. 26, 1990, and set healthy to

  • IDEA winner saves Air Force millions

    A member of Air Force Global Strike Command from here received the maximum payout of $10,000 for his submission of the Launch Control Center NetLink System to the Innovated Development through Employees Awareness program.Douglas Angell, a technical engineer from the 526th Intercontinental Ballistic

  • Communications and information service consolidation eases MAJCOM workloads

    The transition of common communication and information workloads from major commands to the Air Force Network Integration Center is complete, enabling MAJCOM communications and information staffs to further focus on core warfighting missions and information needs.The transfer centralized 10 services

  • Officials condemn leaks, detail prevention efforts

    Government officials condemned the publication of hundreds of thousands of sensitive, classified State Department cables by WikiLeaks Nov. 28.The website published the documents that detail private U.S. diplomatic discussions with foreign governments. The cables are candid reports by diplomats, and

  • Leaders provide update, vector on Air Force space efforts at symposium

    Senior Air Force leaders, servicemembers and industry partners gathered for the Air Force Association's annual Global Warfare Symposium Nov. 18 through 19 here. This year's symposium focused on innovation, operating under financial constraints, building partnerships and managing space acquisition.

  • FalconSAT-5 rockets into orbit

    A converted Minotaur-IV ICBM carried FalconSAT-5 into orbit from the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska Nov. 19.FalconSAT-5 was designed, built and tested by Air Force Academy Class of 2010 cadets as part of the FalconSAT capstone astronautics program.Col. Marty France, the permanent professor and head